Christian McCaffrey regained significant fantasy football value after joining the San Francisco 49ers, following his departure from the Carolina Panthers. Despite finishing as the RB1 and RB2 overall in earlier seasons, injuries limited him to just four games last year. While a healthy McCaffrey still has the potential to be among the very best running backs, his age and history of injuries present a notable risk in fantasy drafts. Despite this, he will likely be picked early, but several other running backs are considered better options for the 2025 NFL season.
Why Jahmyr Gibbs Is a Stronger Draft Choice
Jahmyr Gibbs remains a key part of the Detroit Lions’ backfield, sharing snaps with David Montgomery. Over his first two NFL seasons, Gibbs has recorded finishes of RB2 and RB10 overall, amassing 31 total touchdowns. Although the Lions parted ways with offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Gibbs enters his third season with significant upside. His dual-threat ability and recent performances make him a safer selection than McCaffrey in fantasy drafts this year.
Bijan Robinson’s Rise as a Fantasy Football Leader
Bijan Robinson established himself as a top running back by progressing from an impressive rookie season, finishing RB9 overall, to becoming the RB2 last season. As the centerpiece of the Atlanta Falcons’ offense, Robinson’s elite skills in both rushing and receiving contribute to one of the highest floors among running backs. His consistent production and tremendous upside position him as a strong candidate to be the number-one fantasy player in the 2025 season, offering more reliability than McCaffrey.
Saquon Barkley’s Impactful Move and Fantasy Dominance
After leaving the New York Giants, Saquon Barkley signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and immediately thrived. Last season, he rushed for over 2,000 yards, captured a Super Bowl title, and finished as the overall RB1 in fantasy football. Barkley benefits tremendously from playing behind one of the NFL’s best offensive lines and a team committed to the running game. His combination of talent and team support makes him not only a preferable choice over McCaffrey but also a compelling candidate for the top overall draft pick.
Implications for the 2025 Fantasy Football Draft
While Christian McCaffrey retains the talent to make a significant impact if he stays healthy, the combination of injury concerns and age makes him a less secure fantasy investment. Running backs like Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson, and Saquon Barkley provide higher floors, greater consistency, and the opportunity to lead fantasy teams in the 2025 season. Fantasy managers seeking dependable yet high-upside assets should strongly consider these players over McCaffrey as they prepare for upcoming drafts.